EEOC Probes Nike for Allegations of Diversity Discrimination

The federal agency responsible for enforcing U.S. workplace discrimination laws announced on Wednesday that it is investigating Nike over allegations that its diversity initiatives may have unlawfully discriminated against White employees and job applicants. This information comes from a recent court filing.

According to a report by Reuters, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) stated that Nike has not complied with a subpoena requesting critical information, including data on the racial and ethnic composition of the global athletic apparel and footwear company based in Beaverton, Oregon.

The subpoenas also seek a list of employees who were selected for mentoring and development programs.

The investigation focuses on claims that Nike intentionally treated White employees and job applicants unfairly, with allegations suggesting that they were disproportionately targeted for layoffs.

NIKE PLANS TO CUT HUNDREDS OF JOBS AMID AUTOMATION PUSH

The EEOC is investigating Nike over allegations its diversity initiatives unlawfully discriminated against White employees and job applicants amid layoffs. (istock / iStock)

The agency is seeking the records to ascertain whether Nike violated federal anti-discrimination laws.

FOX Business has reached out to Nike for a comment regarding this investigation.

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A woman carries a shopping bag while passing in front of a Nike Inc. store in Portland, Oregon. (Natalie Behring/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

This investigation follows Nike’s recent announcement of plans to cut 775 jobs, primarily affecting distribution centers in Tennessee and Mississippi. The company aims to automate more of its supply chain in response to evolving market demands.

A Nike spokesperson previously informed Fox Business that the company is streamlining and consolidating its operations, especially within its U.S. distribution network, to enhance efficiency and invest in technology, automation, and workforce skills.

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The EEOC is investigating whether Nike’s diversity programs unlawfully discriminated against White employees and job applicants. (Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

The layoffs at the distribution centers are part of a broader trend at Nike, which has been reorganizing its operations over the past two years to enhance financial performance.

In August of last year, Nike announced plans to cut less than 1% of its corporate workforce as part of a turnaround strategy under CEO Elliott Hill.

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Additionally, the company revealed plans to cut 2% of its workforce, impacting over 1,600 workers, in February 2024.

FOX Business’ Eric Revell and Reuters contributed to this report.

The federal agency responsible for enforcing U.S. workplace discrimination laws announced on Wednesday that it is investigating Nike over allegations that its diversity initiatives may have unlawfully discriminated against White employees and job applicants. This information comes from a recent court filing.

According to a report by Reuters, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) stated that Nike has not complied with a subpoena requesting critical information, including data on the racial and ethnic composition of the global athletic apparel and footwear company based in Beaverton, Oregon.

The subpoenas also seek a list of employees who were selected for mentoring and development programs.

The investigation focuses on claims that Nike intentionally treated White employees and job applicants unfairly, with allegations suggesting that they were disproportionately targeted for layoffs.

NIKE PLANS TO CUT HUNDREDS OF JOBS AMID AUTOMATION PUSH

The EEOC is investigating Nike over allegations its diversity initiatives unlawfully discriminated against White employees and job applicants amid layoffs. (istock / iStock)

The agency is seeking the records to ascertain whether Nike violated federal anti-discrimination laws.

FOX Business has reached out to Nike for a comment regarding this investigation.

NIKE ANNOUNCES CAITLIN CLARK AS ITS NEWEST SIGNATURE ATHLETE

A woman carries a shopping bag while passing in front of a Nike Inc. store in Portland, Oregon. (Natalie Behring/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

This investigation follows Nike’s recent announcement of plans to cut 775 jobs, primarily affecting distribution centers in Tennessee and Mississippi. The company aims to automate more of its supply chain in response to evolving market demands.

A Nike spokesperson previously informed Fox Business that the company is streamlining and consolidating its operations, especially within its U.S. distribution network, to enhance efficiency and invest in technology, automation, and workforce skills.

NIKE RETURNS TO SELL FOOTWEAR, APPAREL ON AMAZON FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2019

The EEOC is investigating whether Nike’s diversity programs unlawfully discriminated against White employees and job applicants. (Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

The layoffs at the distribution centers are part of a broader trend at Nike, which has been reorganizing its operations over the past two years to enhance financial performance.

In August of last year, Nike announced plans to cut less than 1% of its corporate workforce as part of a turnaround strategy under CEO Elliott Hill.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Additionally, the company revealed plans to cut 2% of its workforce, impacting over 1,600 workers, in February 2024.

FOX Business’ Eric Revell and Reuters contributed to this report.